Eugene Harold Oesch (aka Whitey, Gene O and Coach) 91, of Canfield, died at 9:10 AM Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Hospice of the Valley/Hospice House in Poland, Ohio.

He was born on May 25, 1933, in Salem, the son of the late Jerd K. and Myrtle Herold Oesch. He was a graduate of Berlin Center High School, received his Bachelors Degree from Kent State University, a Masters Degree from Ohio University and completed post graduate work at Ohio State University.

Gene was a life member of the Smith Grange, a post officer in the Berlin Center and Beloit Club, a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3298, a member of the Sebring American Legion, member of the Mahoning County Farm Bureau and he served in the US Army during the Korean War from 1956 to 1958. He took over the family farm after the passing of his father, as well as caring for his mother and sister.

He was named outstanding young farmer of the Mahoning County in 1961 and he served as the Canfield Fair draft horse announcer for 37 years. He taught and coached at different Ohio schools and was assistant basketball coach to two Ohio school Athletic Association Hall of Fame members, Jim Loweer and Jim Osborne.

Gene received his auctioneers license in 1951 and later his real estate and broker's license, started his own business and ran many auctions, way too many in the "Auction book" to count before his retirement. He then purchased a motor home and traveled the west coast in California and Texas. He then settled back to take care of his home and rental properties.

On April 24, 2021, Gene was driving his car and was struck by a drunk driver at the intersection of SR 45 and Palmyra Road. The car was completely destroyed, he was life flighted to the hospital and after a short stay with no broken bones and a few stitches he returned home. The Ohio State Highway Patrol Canfield Post awarded him the "Saved by the belt certificate" after surviving the incident. Gene said, "I'm a tough old Bastard".

He is survived by his second wife, of 21 years, Patricia Irene (Murphy) Oesch, whom he married June 14, 2003. (whom he met while teaching square dancing lessons and she was a real estate agent.) grandchildren; Michael, Nicholas and Ian Dressell, three great grandchildren, step children; Peggy Sue Ramsy of Gallipolis, Ohio, Jill (Jim) Daley of Canfield and Natalie (John) Winkle of Vienna, step grandchildren; Desiree (William) Adams, Derek Winkle, James (Jean) Daley and Kellie (David) Bobby, and one step great grandchild.

Gene is preceded in death by his first wife, Sue Ella (Heston) Oesch, a daughter Renee May Oesch-Dressel and his sister Lucille Vannostan, step son Richard Wolfson.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 5 PM at the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services in Salem with Pastor Kari Lankford officiating. He will be laid to rest in Highland Memorial Park in Beloit, Ohio. A time of Visitation will be from 4 to 5 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home. The Salem Honor Guard will offer military honors on Wednesday at 5 PM.